England v Pakistan, 1st Test, Day 1: Misbah Shows the Way

 

England v Pakistan

1^st Test

Day 1: Misbah Shows the Way

 July 15^th  2016

At times, Misbah has been a figure of fun in world cricket. “Start the tuk-tuk” is a typical comment when he is playing one of his slow, deliberate innings (ignoring that, when the situation permits and demands, he can be incredibly destructive too).

A year or so ago most people expected confidently his retirement, after all, he is past 42 now, yet he is batting as well, or better, than ever. In 2014, well past his 40^th birthday, he came up with consecutive scores of 101, 101* and 102* v Australia. Now, in the four Tests v England that are the last four that Pakistan have played, he has managed 3, 51, 102, 87, 71, 38 & 110*. Forget the fact that it was not until his seventh Test and his twelfth innings, more than six years after debut, that he finally reached 30 in an innings, an average of over 50 in Tests is impressive testament to the unflappable skill that he brings to a team not known for its calmness.

Quite apart from his runs, Misbah has united the Pakistan team with his captaincy. It is hard to believe that he would have allowed a Test to be forfeit by losing control of a situation. Since taking over the captaincy  in 2010, in the wake of the last Pakistan tour of England, he has scored eight of his ten Test centuries and averaged 58.5, winning 20 and losing just 11 of his 42 Tests as captain.

His importance to his side is evident from his figures:

·        In matches that he has won as captain his average rises to an impressive 71.6.

·        In matches that he has drawn as captain, he averages 70.8.

·        In matches that he has lost as captain, he averages just 30.2.

Misbah’s record as captain is very impressive indeed. Some people seem to think that England will have an easy series win, but just look at his numbers as captain:

·        42 Tests, Won 20, Drawn 11, Lost 11.

Those figures do not give much evidence that he allows a lot of 2-0 and 3-0 series defeats. It is Misbah’s misfortune to lead Pakistan in an era when the have suffered Test exile and political ostracism. Of the sixteen Tests played by Pakistan in the last two years, nine have been against England and Sri Lanka. While England have played a series against every Full Member bar Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in the last two years, Pakistan have to settle for series against anyone willing to play them.

When you have to make do with crumbs from the top table and have a lack of marquee series, you enjoy any success that comes your way. The sight of a 42 year old player celebrating his debut century at Lord’s with ten push-ups is likely to become one of the images of the summer. That he did it after rescuing his side from 77-3 on a pitch seemingly full of runs, has added merit.

Two wickets just before the Close to the inspirational Woakes have levelled the contest again when it looked as if Misbah’s efforts could lead it to run away from England. After his debut at The Oval in 2013 – a debut that was nowhere near the disaster that legend tries to recall – the continued selection of Chris Woakes has been met with derision and despair by fans. His average is still a fraction over 35, but his last 3 Tests have brought 12 wickets so far at 16.3, apart from some useful runs. On the day, although he slowed as he tired, Woakes was the fastest of the England bowlers, sending down several balls at over 90mph in his first spell.

Apart from Woakes, the debut of Jake Ball was not to be despised: a review second delivery of his career that pitched just far enough outside leg to save Masood, followed by a wicket in the first over of his second spell. Ball bowled quicker than many expected, although his fastest deliveries were just below 90mph.

In contrast, Finn and Moeen are struggling. Steve Finn was expensive and not threatening at all, again well down on pace. Loyalty is one thing, but Finn has lost his action – again – and needs some time back in County cricket to recover form and confidence. Finn’s problems would be easier to carry were Moeen not having a rough time. After an amazing start in Test cricket, Moeen is now becoming better known and batsmen are managing to avoid being fooled by him. He still has his days – the 7-116 in Durban shows that he can be very effective still – but his last 7 Tests have brought just 5 wickets at 119 each: the selectors have to start to ask themselves whether or not Adil Rashid, who is in decent form this season (20 wickets @ 35.3, with 3x50 with the bat) would do better.

A lot can happen still in this match, but the betting must be that Stokes and Anderson will replace Finn and Ball in the 2^nd Test and that Moeen may not see out the series. With an increasing pool of players who are in the frame to play and do a good job in the different formats, players in poor form can be dropped from a position of strength.

On Day 2, Pakistan will want to push on to 400+ and ensure against the possibility that they could be caught chasing a substantial England lead on a deteriorating pitch on Days 4 and 5. England will have hopes of wrapping up the innings for 330-340 and applying some pressure. You get the impression though that both sides will be fairly happy to come out with a draw and to move on to Old Trafford still level.